The 10 new buses will increase the number of hybrid buses in the MTA’s local bus fleet to 361, or 44% of the total fleet. The new additions expand MTA’s fleet of 60-foot New Flyer Xcelsior hybrid buses to a total of 52 and will be on the street in time for Preakness this weekend.

The state-of-the art diesel-electric hybrid buses are expected to improve emissions, as well as decrease fuel usage and improve reliability — benefits that can translate into significant cost-per-mile operating savings.

“With the current diesel fleet major road calls occur every 5,695 miles versus every 18,556 for the hybrid fleet. Fuel mileage is 20 percent higher, brake life is 25 percent longer, and hybrids are found to be 50 percent quieter than diesels,” said MTA Administrator Ralign T. Wells.

The new buses come equipped with a host of safety features such as “ProTran Safe Turn Alert” and curbside and street-side turn aid lights. The buses also feature padded passenger seats for improved passenger comfort, and increased seating capacity.

The 60-foot articulated buses carry 118 sitting and standing passengers compared to 62 sitting and standing passengers on a conventional 40-foot bus. With the higher capacity, the articulated buses will operate primarily on the MTA’s most heavily traveled routes. Like all the other Xcelsiors in the fleet, the new buses have disc brakes, which help reduce maintenance costs.

The campaign is similar to the one developed for subways, with the focus on reminding passengers that avoiding certain behaviors can ensure a faster and more pleasant ride for everyone. Reminders include step aside to let others off first; remove your backpack; and don’t clip your nails on the bus.

While Founder Matt George is interested in connecting Capitol Hill, K Street and Dupont Circle, it’s not yet clear if those will be the neighborhoods Bridj starts with. The start-up is encouraging interested customers to request specific routes on its website

Des Moines Area Regional Transit's 60-foot low floor articulated buses will replace high-floor buses and include newly installed ramps, remanufactured power trains, transmissions, engines and brakes. It will also be equipped with two ADA compliant wheelchair lifts.